Devil Dog

Mercenary Masters #1

by Delta James

They took his woman. He's going to take her back.

Dex is a brute who doesn't hesitate to take his woman over his knee for the kind of spanking that leaves her sore, sobbing, and ready to be reminded of her place in a much more shameful way. Fortunately for Mallory, he's also a US Marine Raider who knows how to run a rescue mission.

When she took a job in a country on the brink of war, Mallory had no idea what she was getting herself into, and there is only one man she can count on to bring her home after things go south.

The same man who is going to blister her bottom for running away in the first place, then lead her to the bedroom to remind her who she belongs to so thoroughly she never doubts it again.

Genres: BDSM, Romance, Erotica, Military Romance, Contemporary Romance, Dark Romance, Military Fiction

170 pages, ebook

First published July 10, 2020

About the author

As a USA Today bestselling romance author, Delta James aims to captivate readers with stories about complex heroines and the dominant alpha males who adore them. For Delta, romance is more than just a love story; it’s a journey with challenges and thrills along the way.

After creating a second chapter for herself that was dramatically different than the first, Delta now resides in Florida where she relaxes on warm summer evenings with her loveable pack of basset hounds as they watch the birds, squirrels, and lizards. When not crafting fast-paced tales, she enjoys horseback riding, hiking, and white-water rafting.

Her readers mean the world to her, and Delta tries to interact personally with as many messages as she can. If you’d like to chat or discuss books, you can find Delta on Instagram, Facebook, and in her private reader group https://www.facebook.com/groups/34898....

Reviews

[Kristina · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 20%
This book was fully non consent. This is not bdsm or CNC, in order to have either, you must have consent up front. This woman repeatedly told the hero no, attempted to leave him, ran away to another country to get away from him, and he chased her down. This isn’t even dark romance because he’s not a criminal or mafia member, he’s a marine, a sergeant. The first chapter is him spanking her without her consent and then raping her against a wall. This is Stockholm’s syndrome not romantic love.
Now the woman in this is not portrayed as strong or smart either, she is a helpless idiot and seems very broken to me. If you read dark romance or bdsm, the submissives are strong and want to submit to their dominant partner. This woman is forced to. When we are in her pov she is afraid and unwilling, it’s quite appalling and disturbing. If that fantasy is for you then proceed, but if you don’t like women depicted as spineless idiots and needing the control of men, don’t read this. I know some people like domestic discipline kink, I don’t personally, but be aware that this skates the edge of even that category.

I didn’t even really get far enough into this to really comment on the Islamophobia in this book. But it’s pretty disgusting and other reviewers have touched on it better.
This author is going on my avoid list. She’s pretty much promoting everything I dislike about the world in this one little smut book.

[JD (on semi-hiatus) · Rating 1 out of 5]

Islamophobia Masquerading as "Kink."

Reason #739 for why I don't subscribe to the prevailing theory that "anything goes in erotic fiction..."

Reason #833 for why I wonder about just what kinds of editing Stormy Night Publications and Blushing Books actually do...

Reason #959 for why I'm at a loss as to whether authors just write what they think will sell, if they don't understand what they're writing, or if they just don't care...

I know this is a losing battle, but this book is racist. That is all.

ETA: I would hope this racism would make people feel uncomfortable; it certainly shouldn't be presented as a trigger warning as though readers should be protected from being "uncomfortable" with racism.

[Michelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was... not at all good. It was downright awful. Honestly I feel like I lost brain cells reading this one. There's so much wrong with it, it would literally take me probably the length of the book to write it all down. Was there anything good about it? That it ended.

Dom/sub relationships are not okay when the woman is NOT okay with them. Don't try the "but she's not ok being ok with it" crap. She did NOT like what he was doing to her, and it was a huge distraction/turnoff from the book. There was NOTHING redeeming about either character, and honestly, the portrayal of war/war elements was horribly done. It was more like, let's throw as much shock as we can into here and see if this works!

It didn't. It didn't work at all. I disliked this book so much that honestly I'm rambling because I'm passionate about my dislike??

I recommend you avoid this one. I'm really, really wondering where all the positive comments and reviews came from.

[Rose Mcelderry · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hmm

While I usually enjoy bdsm type books, this one was just sheer abuse. Dex disciplined her while angry, no safe word and treated her like a child. Not a fun read

[Stephanie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nothing but Abuse

I would give this 0 stars if I could. Nothing about this book was kink. It wasn’t love. It wasn’t like dark. This was straight up abuse. I couldn’t even get past 10% in because main dude is trash. Everything this dude did, goes against everything in the Marine Corps values and the author should be ashamed of portraying such an awful image of service members like this.

[lf · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing as it just did not work for me

Dex is a devil, a dog, and a whole lot of other "d" words I can think of, along with a few other choice words. I have read and liked a number of other books by Delta James but for me this one was a hard read. As such I would pick it up, read a bit and then put it back down. In the end I just realized that I did not like Dex at all as he was demeaning and abusive in the way he treated, "disciplined" is a very liberal term in this book, Mallory. Really I just wanted to kick his azz from here to the moon and back. I also did not understand Mallory very much. She and Dex had been living together for three years without her ever saying "I love you" and she did not really like or enjoy submission to him and the domestic discipline lifestyle that he needed. Like who stays three years in a living situation like this???
Sorry but this book was just not for me. I know that other readers will love it as I had really wanted to, as I loved the cover and the book description. So to each their own and the world is a better place for it.

I received a copy of this book for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.

[Sarah Whittaker · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn't read much of this.
It was abusive and did not read as a consensual relationship.

[Ayesha Hawkins · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 stars. If you are familiar with BDSM or domestic discipline this book is trying to be both. While the plot of the story could have been interesting (without the Islamophobia) I was turned off because of dubious consent. This felt like abuse especially in the beginning when we know the FMC own words that she does not fully agree with what is going on. Instead of feeling like a strong woman offering her submission it felt like a woman who had her will broken.

[LawsOfSanity · Rating 2 out of 5]

I struggle with this book. Some of the consent was lacking and was more abusive. I like dark books and characters but he was just a dick and unlikable. She was just weak.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book by Delta James was intense. Dex is a Sargent in the elite Marine Raiders, and Mallory is an professor of art history. Their three-year relationship includes domestic discipline, and he doesn’t hesitate to spank her when he thinks it’s appropriate, such as because she’s disregarding her own safety. Mallory struggles with the concept of submission. She also struggles with Dex leaving on secret missions for the Raiders, which she knows are dangerous. Despite the fact that she is intelligent and educated, she doesn’t talk to him about it, doesn’t communicate with him.

Mallory puts together clues that Dex is going to propose marriage, and in a panic she flees when he’s on a mission. She takes a teaching assignment in a far away country on the brink of civil war. When Dex comes home from his mission he is looking forward to seeing her, and instead finds a ‘Dear John’ letter. Without hesitation, he risks everything including his life and his career to save her.

Although the country the action takes place in is a fictional one, the characters there play into Middle Eastern stereotypes, which may be uncomfortable for some readers. The story is full of passion, tension and danger right to the very end!

[Rose Howse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mallory and Dax have been together for some years when Mallory comes across and engagement ring Dax was hiding. Not knowing if being in a permanent relationship with a man that goes away risking his life regularly is what she's cut out for Mallory leaves for a teaching job in a country on the brink of a civil war, but death and destruction that could risk her life. Dax returns from his assignment and finds the dear john letter Mallory left him and their adventure begins. Mallory is almost abducted when Dax rescues her, but their troubles don't end there. There are a series of dangerous risks, abductions and escapes, then they get involved with the Cerberus team, and elite group of what I would call mercinaries who help free or rescue people in need for the right price. I loved the team and hope to see more of them in the future. Speaking of futures, Mallory needs to decide if her love for Dax is enough to admit she likes his dominance and the fact that he practices domestic discipline. There are quite a few spankings Mallory earns with her fierce independence and bad judgement. In the end this was a story full of adventure, sex and hot times with a spattering of domestic discipline that Mallory does end up wanting and needing. We get a HEA after all.

[Donna Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Donna L
4.0 out of 5 stars So Addictive
Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2020
What an unbelievable raw and intense ride this story was.I was consumed
with the complexity of the relationship between Dex and Mallory.Here was
one strong woman who struggled with the concept of a domestic discipline
relationship, but in saying that,the connection between her core and her
backside caused her body to explode every time she found herself over Dex’s
knees.His dominance of her body knew no bounds.I had just about given up
on their relationship when Mallory convinced herself that Dex would be
better off without her.For an intelligent woman, she certainly made some
questionable decisions that put her life in danger.As they both battled a
group of militia from Satangi, Mallory was fighting her own personal battle.

I was totally absorbed in this story that i lost all sense of time, and what was
going on around me. Dex was was intense and his love for Mallory ran deep.
He was oh so possessive and protective of Mallory.This plot had so many
heart stopping moments that took my breath away. The sex scenes were so
utterly addictive that i needed a fan to put out the flames.An seductive story
where good verses evil, and good won.

[BreRile · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don't read if you don't like it rough - if you do, you'll enjoy the ride! This is the second book I've read by this author and I'm starting to think her books just aren't realistic. I know these are rough romances but shouldn't there be at least one discussion between the characters about the expectations of dominance and submission? It wasn't until Dev explained to one of his squad mates that he wanted Mallory to submit to him but that she wasn't (and he didn't want her to be) a submissive. Aside from that this is a romance and when Mallory's in trouble after "disobeying" him, he risks everything to save her. The sex scenes are hot and Dex clearly knows how to bring pain and pleasures. I also enjoyed the secondary characters from Cerberus Security and would like to read their stories.

[Twilla Wickedly Sweet and Synful Book Blog · Rating 3 out of 5]

This heroine irked me so bad. She made such stupid decisions ALL the TIME! I wanted to do more than he did. He was a brute who just bossed her never asking what she wanted. He was just ridiculous. I just kept thinking OMG this WOMAN!!! SMH!! She was obstinate and stubborn. Sorry I didnt like either of them.

[Linda Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Power-dynamic-based relationship – lots of spanking and lots of … steam!
There are some potential trigger-scenes in this book of attempted rape, kidnapping, execution and more. So be aware. Well-written, fast-paced, steamy book for sure. Only read if none of the aforementioned bothers you…
I’m not a feminist but Dex’s treatment of Mallory in the beginning, well honestly, throughout the book, made me cringe with indignation. If she doesn’t do what he wants her to do, there is a spanking which will ultimately culminate in burning up the sheets, but still…Dr. Mallory Lawson is a tenured Professor of Art History at the local University and well-respected in her field. So, to watch her giving in to Dex’s “whims” is at first difficult until I understand that this is their relationship. Mal doesn’t want to accept that she has these needs and desires, but Dex sees in her what he needs. Dex is well-respected in his own rite in the US Marine Raiders until he goes off range to protect Mallory from herself. I loved the book once I accepted the fact that the H and h wanted this relationship and all of it was consensual.
There is intrigue, all those things mentioned above but also some really strong people, entertaining people and some really bad people. Besides the steam of which there is a lot, the best part was the speech Mallory made to General Hassen in chapter 11. Very compelling. Well-done Ms. James! I volunteered to review an ARC of this book and it comes highly recommended if you like any of what I have said.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sexy alpha males loads of drama, suspense and steam. Dex and Mallory are great characters and their story is hot and steamy. When Mallory leaves Dex to teach in another country he goes to get his woman back. Will he succeed? Entertaining read.

[Brandi Ellinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was SO relatable and hits all of your emotions! The story kept me guessing from 1 chapter to the next, every time I thought I had them figured out Delta proved me wrong!

It was such a compelling story of learning that what you thought you need isn't always it! And Dex is hot!

I will definitely be re reading this one!

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟ONE MAD DASH RESCUE🌟🌟🌟
Burning it up! Delta rocks this bad boy from the get go, hooking you from the start and reeling you in for the duration, blazing through no-man's-land, packing heat and seizing control, fusing this baby together seamlessly. Sparks fly as drama, turmoil, danger, and suspense ensues in epic proportions, riding drama, intrigue, spiraling suspense and a boatload of nerve racking situations, you have one mind-blowing masterpiece. Anarchy, escapades and havoc run amuck, rolling this action packed, hard hitting, nail-biting, adrenaline pumping, heart pounding, pulse racing, block buster, slamming this baby like a cheap screen door, raising the stakes and keeping it real. Lines blurred and boundaries crossed, limitations are amplified and exploited, laying out all the fervent facts, feels and fiascos, throwing this gem into the eye of the storm, blasting it into a tizzy with an astonishing realization. A raging tempest chocked-full of formidable trials and challenging tribulations, noting the thrilling twists and wicked turns, putting our characters through their paces, testing them in ways they would have never saw coming. The attraction and chemistry builds as each layer is peeled back exposing thrilling emotions and a growing bond, binding them to one another perfectly. The characters are complex and genuine with traits and qualities that add depth and diversity, transforming into outstanding personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and descriptions that feel as though you were transported to ground zero with them. Fantastic job Delta, thanks for sharing this little gem with us.

[Christine Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. Dex and Mallory's story captured my attention and my heart. The story is beautifully written, engaging, and thought provoking.

This is the first story of this author I have reviewed, but not the first I have read.

Dex is a Sargent in the elite US Marine Raiders, who is swoon worthy, a dominate, who believes in domestic discipline. He believes in protecting his girl and determined to make Mallory his woman.
Mallory is a professor of art history. She is intelligent and used to standing on her own to feet and unsure of her submissive side. She loves the sex but is uncomfortable of giving up all control of her life to Dex.

They have been together for three years, and she finds a ring in his sock drawer. Dex must head out for another mission and Mallory decides she needs some space and decides to help out a find and travels out of the country. Dex comes home from his mission to find a “Dear John” note on fridge and decides he's going to go get his woman back.

Devil Dogs is a HEA romance and it is HOT! Have a tall glass of ice water while reading. The story is full of steamy sexual tension and passion, along with danger and intrigue right to the very end!

Delta James does not disappoint!!!

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dex is a Marine Raider, a true alpha male. Mallory is a mousy and very foolish young woman, who even though she is a doctor she has the common sense of a 2 yr old, and acts like it! What happens when Mallory gets cold feet and becomes the runaway bride while Dex is out of the country on a mission? Well, first, Mallory takes a job in volatile war torn Satangi, where insurgents and the king are a powder keg waiting to blow, Dex comes home, finds her "dear John" letter and sets out to get his woman back, and blister her backside! A chance encounter with a a man on the way to Satangi introduces Dex to a man who runs a covert operation and gives Dex his card, offering him a job since Dex went AWOL and may not be able to go back to the Marines after this.. Things go to **** when the insurgents attack Mal and Dex is forced to rescue her. Labeled a rogue by his own country and a murderer by regime how can these two survive? Read this book and find out! WARNING, there are a lot of spankings and sexual situations, if this is not to your liking then please don't buy this book and leave a poor review, you have been warned in advance, Delta likes her a good whoopin' or 10 in her books and this one does not disappoint!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lina Bliavienė · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dex and Mallory's story. Dex is a Sargent in the elite Marine Raiders, and Mallory is an professor of art history. Dex is a brute who doesn't hesitate to take his woman over his knee for the kind of spanking that leaves her sore, sobbing, and ready to be reminded of her place in a much more shameful way. Their three-year relationship includes domestic discipline, and he doesn’t hesitate to spank her when he thinks it’s appropriate, such as because she’s disregarding her own safety. Mallory struggles with the concept of submission. Mallory comes across and engagement ring Dex was hiding. Not knowing if being in a permanent relationship with a man who goes away risking his life regularly is what she's cut out for, Mallory leaves for a teaching job in a country on the brink of war, that could risk her life and there is only one man she can count on to bring her home after things go south. Fortunately for Mallory, Dex is a US Marine Raider, who knows how to run a rescue mission. The same man who is going to blister her bottom for running away in the first place, then lead her to the bedroom to remind her who she belongs to so thoroughly she never doubts it again. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stats23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

It seems like such a long time since Ms. James has written a non-shifter type story, but however long it was…., it was sure worth the wait. This story features a well-educated strong willed woman (Dr. Mallory Lawson) and an overbearing special forces Sargent (Samuel Armstrong Dexter). I really liked Mallory’s character, a coolly independent woman who felt no need to be submissive to a man. On the other hand, I really did not care for Dex as I found him to be overly harsh and too Alpha. His treatment of Mallory borders on abusive. However, Mallory seemed to ultimately enjoy it so I guess it is OK. The story-line itself is extremely good with lots of action, some unique twists and some very interesting supporting characters. It is a very hard hitting story with lots of spankings, with a few extras thrown in, and some very graphic sex scenes. Probably not for the squeamish, but very stimulating for the rest. With all the characters in play, thoughts of a sequel certainly comes to mind. 5 Stars
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mallory and Dex have been in a relationship for three years. She is an art history professor - smart, resourceful and headstrong. Dex is a sergeant in the Marines, alpha, demanding and protective. She is starting to doubt whether they can maintain their relationship with his constant military deployments and domineering ways. She leaves him a Dear John letter and accepts a teaching assignment in a politically unstable country. Will she regret breaking up with him? Will Dex be able to save her when she becomes a target?
Richly detailed in thoughts, actions and settings. Elements of Dom/sub, spankings and discipline. Spicy encounters. Realistic characters. Riveting and engaging plot with drama, tension, action and emotions. I loved it! Through all their conflict you can see these two work well together. They save each other. If only Mallory knew how to follow his exact instructions! But that’s part of the naughty fun - consequences, understanding and then make-up! Will be looking for more from this author. 5 stars

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Beverly McCall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Devil Dog is the first book in Delta James’ Mercenary Masters series. In this book readers meet Mallory Lawson and Samuel “Dex” Dexter. She is a tenured professor of art history and he is a U.S. Marine Raider. Both are strong and independent characters. Dex is a dominant alpha who wants to protect Mallory. She struggles with his dominant side. Her actions leads her to a country faced with insurrection and war, thus, putting herself in danger. Dex, true to his nature, follows her jeopardizing his military career. Can he keep her safe? What will happen to him relative to his military service? To find out you must read this book.

I have read several of Ms. James’ books, in the past, and enjoyed them. However, when I started reading this one, I found myself with a few reservations particularly with the some of the sexual scenes in Satangi. To Ms. James’ credit, her book blurb does refer to this as a rough romance. You may wonder why I continued reading this book? I was intrigued with the suspense prong of her dual-prong plot. I wanted to see how Dex handle rescuing Mallory, escaping the bad guys, and what was in store for them. Ms. James did not disappoint me.

[JigsawGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't like the way Mallory handled her initial departure from Dex. Then she topped that off with several stupid moves despite being advised about the situation in the country where she was going to teach.

I know it was part of the story, but what makes someone out themselves in a confirmed and documented dangerous situation AFTER being earned about it by someone with first hand knowledge.

I was admittedly confused about the whole "not a submissive, but submit only to me" idea. I'm not sure if Mallory became more receptive and/or understanding to the idea after what happened with Dex and the boat, or after she met Rhiannon who was in a similar relationship with Sawyer.

I did like the bit of action and adventure, the relationship Dex developed with the general, and the potential of what might happen in the future with the Cerberus Group. I also admit having a sense of deja vu about the Cerberus Group and some of the characters. It feels like I read about them before, but I can't recall how.

I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Denna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am leaving a voluntary review after receiving a complimentary copy from Booksprouts.

Dex is a Marine Raider used to being in charge, a brute who doesn't hesitate to take his woman over his knee for a spanking. Mallory isn’t sure about her relationship with Dex and so she takes a break from him, accepting a job in a dangerous country on the brink of war. Now Dex must rescue her.

I have mixed feelings about the book. The beginning captured my attention and I looked forward to getting back to it whenever I had to leave for any reason. The action parts really held my attention. On the down side, I did get a little bored with the sex scenes. The thought of getting a spanking isn’t something I would look forward to, so I started skimming through these parts. I didn’t end up finishing this novel but it’s not because the writing is bad. If erotica is your deal, I’m sure you’ll love it. I just personally like a little more depth in the rest of it. I may try more novels by this author.

[Elsie Pitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delta you make my breath catch! After reading this my bottom was seriously feeling like I was Malory and I could just picture that my booty was on FIRE! Miss James you bring the HEAT! Not only do you bring the heat but you also set forth a pace that your readers become immensely immersed in a story that not only grabs us but keeps on the edge of our seats so that you can swat our merry way to the finale. Oh what a finale it is! Hoss was the zzzzz in SIZZLE!!! JUST WOW!!!! VERY STRONG CHARACTERS! You have created a MAN that ANY woman can relate to! I like the fact that you break boundaries and give us something not only enjoyable but extremely erotic! DEX is man puts the EAT in HEAT!!! Dex is a character that I would like to have some time to get to know, and I will go so far as to say I am NOT the ONLY ONE!!! Malory is one character I ENVY. WONDERFUL! This story is written with passion and is not for the faint of heart and the warning given in the blurb is JUST that. Thank you Miss James.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[KL Cassanello · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Dex deploys, Mallory leaves him, not sure that she wants to give up to much control to him forever. She goes to the Middle East to fill in for her friend's job (exactly where Dex told her not to go because is isn't safe) and gets caught up in a political uprising. The story details their escape and adventures, and it sucked me in at the first page and never let go. I loved the book, reading it in one sitting (dinner was at 9pm that night - priorities!). Mal is definitely her own woman, strong and smart and beautiful, but she makes a poorly-timed decision to go to Satangi against Dex's warning. Of course, he comes to rescue her, but nothing else goes according to plan. I love Dex, almost too alpha for me, but he's loving and devoted, and one of the most romantic heroes I've read from this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[D.K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cannot wait for the next installment

This the first book in an new series by Ms. James and it did not disappoint. Dex is an SGT in the Marines and Mallory is an Art Historian professor. Mallory has always struggle with the issue of submission and Dex leaving on secret missions for the Raiders. When Mallory figures out Dex is close to proposing she freaks out and takes an teaching assignment in an area on the brink of civil unrest while Dex is gone. When Dex comes home to a Dear John letter he will risk it all to save her and make her his. I will note there were similarities between this series and her Mustang one. I wonder if there will be crossovers sometime in the future? I throughly enjoyed this book and cannot wait for the next installment. I read this book through Kindle Unlimited.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderfully written book, which is a page turner for sure. Its a book that you really dont want to miss, with Deltas wonderful writing style you will never be bored.
Mallory has been asked by her friend if she will take over her teaching job for a few months as her dad is sick. Mallory agrees, but Dex dosnt, he tells her no. So while Dex goes away, deployed yet again, she decided to take things into her own hands and goes anyway not knowing that where she is going is very dangerous at the moment.
However when Dex gets home and finds she is gone he is mad....... her bottom will be very sore by the time he is finished with her. But once he finds her it isnt going to be easy to get her out and needs help.

This story again will leave you glued to your tablet/kindle a must read and a definate one click.